FDA Updates on Listeria Outbreak Linked to Enoki Mushrooms.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its continued investigation on the multi-state listeria outbreak linked to Enoki mushrooms. In the latest information provided by the FDA, two more deaths were linked to the outbreak. A third company, H&C Foods Inc., also announced on April 7, 2020, that they would be recalling their Korean imported enoki mushroom products due to a listeria monocytogenes contamination. The FDA tested enoki mushroom samples imported by Green Co. LTD of the Republic of Korea, which tested positive for listeria monocytogenes contamination. On April 6, 2020, the FDA discovered, through whole-genome sequencing analysis (WGS), that the Listeria monocytogenes from the imported mushrooms matched the outbreak strain.
The FDA announced on April 7, 2020, that Green Co. LTD was placed on Import Alert 99-23, which flags imported shipments from this firm for potential detention without physical examination of produce due to contamination with human pathogens. In a press conference with the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), it was announced that four firms were being investigated for exporting enoki mushrooms to the U.SA, two of which had enoki mushroom products test positive for listeria monocytogenes. Since the press release by the MFDS, no information about the companies under investigation has been disclosed to the public.
Consumers have been advised to avoid purchasing enoki mushrooms, which are long thin white mushrooms, and usually sold in clusters. The latest products recalled by H&C Foods Inc. were sold in 200 g/7.05 oz. packages and distributed to Great Wall Supermarket retailers in NY, MD, and VA. If consumers are in possession of the recalled products they are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them appropriately.
The FDA is working along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local and state officials to investigate the Listeria outbreak. It is still unknown if additional products will be linked to the outbreak but the FDA is still investigating the source of the contamination. Consumers who have eaten enoki mushrooms and have experienced symptoms of listeriosis infection should contact a medical health care provider and inform them of the listeria exposure.
For more information on the Listeria Outbreak linked to enoki mushrooms, to speak to a Listeria Lawyer, or to inquire about a Listeria Lawsuit, call 1-800-335-4901.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_266.html
